Foods That Make You Look Younger

Well as some of you may know, I not to long ago made my 35th birthday...YES 35!  As I was looking for content to write on, I came across this article about some foods in addition to skin creams that will make you have a youthful appearance.  Well by the time I finished reading the article, I first thought I must share this with my readers and #2, I'm making a stop at Walmart right after I type this blog up!  Here is what I learned..

1. Colorful berries.  Colorful berries have a variety of powerful antioxidants that repair and protect skin cells.  There are all types of berries; blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, and cherries just to name a few.
2. Broccoli and Broccoli sprouts.  Broccoli contains quercetin which is a powerful antioxidant.  Other foods that contain this antioxidant is cranberries, onions and apples.  It is a natural anti-flammatory agent as well making it the #2 fight against aging.  
3. Spinach.  Spinach, kale, corn and other vegetables have lutein which means the ability to give additional antioxidant capacity to your skin and it enhances your skins hydration.  
4. Garlic.  Garlic, onions, and scallions are loaded with this free radical fighter caled Allium which is good for your skin and immune system.
5. Beans.  Anthocyanin is found in very high quantities in black beans and black soybeans.  Soybeans are high in isoflavones which are linked to anti aging properties.
6. Wine.  Like tea, wine contains catechins as well as resveratrol which is found in red wine.  Both have anti aging properties.
7. Water.  Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
8. Yellow and Orange Root Vegetables.  Contains beta-carotene which is good for your skin and eyes.  For ex. carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.
9. Salmon.  Eating salmon at least 3 times a week will make your skin more youthful because it contains omega-3's to high quality protein.  According to research, if you follow this regimen for about 6 weeks, you will see plumper more youthful skin.  
10. Nuts.  Nuts and seeds are loaded with good fat that helps plump your skin.  Nuts also contain lots of antioxidants and minerals that are good for the skin too.
11. Tomatoes.  Contain lycopene which is a powerful tool to fight against the fee radicals.  It's ability to stop sun induced aging and neutralize free radicals is awesome.  Other fruits that contain lycopene are red grapefruit, watermelon and pink grapefruit.

It is best to eat all of the items mentioned raw.  However, if you so desire to cook them, it is best to boil them to keep the antioxidants needed to keep your skin youthful.  Avoid or cut down on sweets.  Avoid processed foods, refined foods, and sugars because they increase free radical activity.  

Let me know if these tips help you achieve the beautiful skin you've been looking for.   

Dress Without A Pattern (Dress 2)

This is the 2nd dress I made from a shirt actually. I purchased the fabric from fabric.com as well.  I fell in love with the design and texture of this fabric.  I wasn't satisfied with how it came out.  Practice makes perfect right?? Stay tuned for more of my creations. 

Skirt and Infinity Scarf I Made

I was intending on wearing this set to my church fashion show but I wasn't quite satisfied with it.  I did, however wear it to work and I got numerous compliments. This outfit was done without a pattern.  I did use the outline of another one of my favorite skirts and just freestyled it from there.  Stay tuned for more blogs and videos on my creations. 

1st Dress I Ever Made without a Pattern

I forgot I needed to post this dress I made with my new sewing machine and serger.  I will be putting new things up and videos with step by step instructions. I got the fabric from fabric.com for $3.41 a yard.  I'll say that's a steal!  Stay tuned. 

New Years Outfit of the Day

This outfit was something I came up with to wear on New Years.  I really did not plan on going anywhere but I did step out to the in-laws house for a minute or two.  Starting with the sweater, which was thrifted $1.00 at my local thrift store.  Yes $1.00 and let me blow your mind even more; it had the tags still on it honey! Then there is the black tee underneath and that was thrifted as well for $1.00.  The camouflage leggings come from Walmart for $3.47 and the boots were on sale before Christmas at Rainbow for $10! So all together this outfit totals $15.47 plus tax.  I'd say this was a great deal. What do you think?

7 SURPRISINGLY BEAUTY USES OF VASELINE

Everyone knows that Vaseline is for moisturizing your skin and relieving chapped skin but that's not all!  You can use Vaseline for various benefits.  Continue reading to find out more.

1. To make your perfume last longer.  Yes!  Using a cotton swab and a small dab of Vaseline on your pulse points (in case you're wondering that is your wrist, behind your ears, behind your knees and even on your ankles) before you spray on your perfume.  The Vaseline will absorb the scent for an even more lasting effect.  
2. To protect your skin when you dye your hair.  Spreading along your hairline before you use your dye will create a layer of protection to your skin.  You will avoid having your face look like the dye which can be a complete epic fail and it's easier to clear off.
3. If you have dry, cracked cuticles.  Rubbing them with Vaseline will help them.
4. Exfoliate your lips.  You can do a quick lip scrub by adding a little bit of white sugar or brown sugar to your Vaseline and applying to your lips.  Rub for about 10-15 seconds, this will remove any dead skin.  Rinse then apply just the Vaseline. 
5. To create lush lashes.  Vaseline works as an alternative to mascara if you're running low.  Just brush on a small amount of Vaseline to make your lashes pop.
6. Protect your skin from relaxers.  If you're like me, you experienced those harsh chemicals that somehow got on your face, neck, or ear.   Well, just like the hair dye, mentioned in benefit #2, Vaseline works as a protectant to the skin.  Those sores can be pretty painful.
7. If you swim a lot, Vaseline can save your ears. Just drop a little on a cotton ball then mold the cotton ball in your ears before swimming.  This will keep unwanted moisture out.  

Phonicia P Keller, Fashion Stylist and Blogger

FASHION TRENDS TO LOOK FOR THIS FALL

Summer is gone.  It went by with a blink of an eye!  I mean I love, love, love summer, but I also really love the clothes of the fall.  Especially here in Louisiana, it's not so many layers of clothes you have to wear but it can be just enough coverage to leave to the imagination.  I've come up with a short list of some of the hottest trends to look for this fall.

• Stilettos are gone.  Women are leaning more towards comfort this fall favoring low, heeled shoes, sneakers, running shoes, midi heels and wedges.
• Skirts for this fall season will be midi length, straight, bias cut, silk, circle, handkerchief hems, asymmetrical hems, and pleated.
• Pants are cropped, wide leg trousers, cargo pants, culottes and slim pants.
• Accessories.  Bucket handbags, clutches, fur bags.  Belts on suits, cocktail dresses and coats.
• Dresses. Maxi, shirt dresses, t-shirt dresses, tunics, sheaths, and slim fitting styles.  
• Coats.  Oversized coats, busy boxy mutilcolored furs, puffer coats and simple furs.
• Colors for this fall are dusty blue, sunshine yellow, topaz, reds, and blacks.
• Fabrics include brocades, leather, wool, cashmere, tweed, knits, velvet, lace, satin, and jacquard. 

Other fashion favs this fall include crew neck sweaters, statement necklaces, plaids, high collars, graphic and animal prints, zippers, and metallic shine will be very popular.

For my business divas, the single breasted 1 button slightly shrunker or cropped top suit in lighter colors will be very modern and chic.

This should get your imagination flowing a little bit.  I will have more videos and blogs in the upcoming weeks to keep you informed. 

Phonicia P Keller-Fashion Stylist and Blogger

Maxi Dresses You Can Still Wear In The Fall

Fall!!! I just love this season.  I can't say it enough! One thing I love so much about this season is the fact that I can incorporate some of my summer stuff into fall but just adding a blazer, or jean jacket, cardigan, or sweater! The options are endless! So if you are not quite ready to let go of the summer just yet, no worries! Cover it with some of the examples I gave.   Maybe even add a scarf.  What are some of the things you do to transition some of your summer things into fall?

The Cobalt Blues!

Since I have been in the fashion business 6 years now....Wow time flies! I have taken an interest in becoming a fashion stylist.  I find that when I'm in the store shopping it never fails someone will ask me "How Does this Look?" Or "What goes with this?" And of course I give my advice and tips every time.  I've always loved fashion and trying out different ways to wear things.  Anyway I'm going on a rabbit chase as my pastor always says.  When I began to read fashion books, I realized it seemed my whole wardrobe was black! Cute stuff but all black! Lol! So on my recent trip to the stores I purchased some color.  It's true that colors make you feel more vibrant!  Cobalt Blue is definitely the color this season.  I went downtown a few weeks ago to take some pics just to show you guys what to wear with your cobalt blue.  The Cobalt Blue Peplum is from Body Central.   It was around $11.00.  The infinity scarf comes from Walmart $2.50.  The pants come from New York & Company and they were $29 and the shoes come from Payless $19.99.  This is one of those universal outfits.  I wore this to work, church and you can wear this out with your friends!   I also had a black blazer and that was $7.99 at CitiTrends.  I got so many compliments on this outfit and it was about $75 for the whole outfit.   You don't have to pay a lot of money to be classy.  Work with what you have and build from there.   Classyness has no price it just comes natural!~PhoniciaPKeller

The Peplum!

Peplum is still in this fall! We still have temperatures in the 80's here in Louisiana so I couldn't really make it look fallish.   Target had this lovely black and Gray Striped Peplum that I just could not pass up.  It was $27.99 which is very reasonable.  I paired it with my ankle strapped heels found at Shoe Station for $29.99.  The purse comes from CitiTrends and it was $24.99.  Earrings are from CitiTrends as well and they were $4.99 and the necklace from a Dollar Store here that sells all jewelry for $1.  This is a snazzy little outfit for a little under $100! I'd say that was a deal! Thanks for checking it out! Don't forget to follow this blog!